The Source of our Witness

Let me be blunt. I read Acts 3 and I am ready to run the other way. To be a witness for Christ; does this mean I am expected to perform such miracles every now and then? I don't think so. But I strongly suspect that God is clearly communicating that to be a witness of Christ to others does require risk. To step out of the box of our comfort level and expectations and engage people where they live with the gospel. When I read the Acts 3 account of the lame man (born as such) made able to stand, walk, and eventually leaping into the temple praising God for the restoration of his legs here is what I gleam from this story.

1. The Place of Witness- we are called take and demonstrate the gospel to people where they live daily. Our place of witness is not confined to specific place. Peter and John offered the man wholeness where he laid. They did not try to first carry him into the temple. They did not give him an invitation to attend a house church meeting. They ministered to him right where he lay.Our field of labor is all around us daily.

2. Timeliness of Witness - It was customary to pray 3 times daily in the temple. Obviously Peter and John had passed this lame man many times previously. Why now engage him to rise up and walk? It was a divine moment of grace. As the man looked on Peter and John, they all knew it was time for him to experience the Jesus the healer. God's timing is critical and we as His witnesses must be in sync with God's spirit when prompted.

3. Power of Witness - Peter was quick to acknowledge that it was not by their power or godliness the man was able to walk. Rather Peter explained clearly in Act 3:16 the lame man was now able to walk due to "... it is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see". The gospel is demonstrated not only in word, but in deed. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2 - "my message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but in demonstration of the Spirit's power so you faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power". Faith in the name of Jesus made this man whole.

I believe Acts 3 is still very much applicable today. It encourages me to engage people where they live and seek a opportune entry point to bear witness to the healing power of Christ. I don't expect to see miracles happen everytime I engage people with the witness of Christ. I will pray for such when prompted by Holy Spirit. But I also know inside people are just as broken and hurting and in desperate need of Jesus healing in this area. I believe our witness will leave a indelible impression that will make an eternal difference in lives. Folks make no mistake, God is calling us out the box of comfort and join Him in an incredible journey of being a witness with Him. How is God challenging you to step out of the box as a witness?

Posted on Wed, June 25, 2008 by Larry Dove

1 comment (Add your own)

1. Craig Chapman wrote:: My neighbor Stan is a 94 year old retired merchant marine who has traveled extensively throughout the world. He has notebooks full of the details of the many countries he has visited over time. He is adept at conversing on almost any subject as well.

During our short one year here in Leisure World we have had many a great conversation about those ports of call and other areas of Stan’s life that he found interesting. On many an occasion, we would invite him to our mini-church meetings just 30 feet away in our home. He never took that opportunity, though he recognized that the many people who came were having an incredibly good time of fellowship and fun. Still, over time, I continued to ask.

On one occasion he did ask me why I get up so early in the morning each work day. Apparently he has seen me leaving the house at 5 AM though he knows I don’t start work until 7 AM and my job is only 20 minutes away. I explained to him that I have a “route.” “Oh” he said, “you have a paper route too!” “No, it’s not a paper route.” “Well, what can it be at that hour of the morning?” “There are over 20 homes in 2 cities that I pray for as I drive my car to work each day. The occupants of those homes are friends and pastors that matter to God and to me!” He shot me a puzzled look.

On July 4th, 2008, he was at a pool party celebration and slipped on something. As he was falling, someone grabbed him before he hit the pavement. When he returned home later that day he was in great pain. Somehow during the fall he had injured his shoulder. For the next week he dealt with the pain on his own terms.

Saturday, we could hear him writhing in pain in his house. I went over to see if I could help. He really needed to be seen by a doctor but instead, insisted on just staying put in his house. So, I asked him if I could pray for him. He said yes, so I did. I asked the Lord to shower His love on Stan and provide for him in ways he could not understand or imagine. It was a divine moment! He thanked me and I left.

On Sunday I saw him walking with his cane to his house. He said he was very tired and just wanted to rest. He was not himself. I told him that my wife and I would continue to pray for him and that if he needed anything, just give us a call.

On Monday his son took him to the doctor and when they returned home a hospice nurse came with them. Somehow when Stan fell, it set of a series of changes in his body that caused him to start shutting down. Within one day, he slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness. I never again had another opportunity to share Christ’s redeeming love with him.

Stan died that very next Saturday. I can only imagine that he is with our Lord today!
Mon, July 21, 2008 @ 1:29 PM

Add a New Comment

Your Name:

Your Email/URL (Optional):

Your Comment:

Enter the code you see below:
code

Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.